On Friday, March 28, 2025, Los Angeles County Beaches and Harbors employees collected dozens of deceased seabirds—including pelicans, seagulls, and cormorants—from the shoreline of Venice Beach. The birds were gathered near the Lifeguard Headquarters and subsequently buried in the sand.
While official necropsy results are pending, preliminary observations suggest that the birds may have succumbed to domoic acid toxicosis. This condition arises from harmful algal blooms off the California coast, particularly those involving the microscopic algae Pseudo-nitzschia australis. These blooms produce domoic acid, a neurotoxin that accumulates in small fish such as sardines and anchovies—the primary prey for pelicans and other seabirds. Ingesting high levels of this toxin can adversely affect the brain and heart, leading to seizures, neurological impairment, and heart failure in affected wildlife.
Recent incidents along the Southern California coastline have raised concerns about the impact of domoic acid on marine life. According to a CBS News report, at least 20 birds taken to the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center have died after being poisoned by domoic acid algae.
The recurrence of such events underscores the ongoing environmental challenges posed by harmful algal blooms and their detrimental effects on marine ecosystems. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for public awareness and caution when encountering distressed or deceased wildlife along the coast.
Santa Monica, Calif. – Longtime environmental advocate Paul Scott was spotted holding a bold sign at the corner of Pico Boulevard and Fourth Street in front of the ARCO gas station in Santa Monica. The sign read: “WHEN YOU BUY GAS YOU SUPPORT TRUMP.”
Scott, co-founder of Plug In America and a figure featured in the documentary Who Killed the Electric Car?, said his goal is to draw attention to the connection between consumer gas purchases and political contributions from oil companies. Speaking during rush hour, Scott explained that oil industry profits—fueled by consumer gasoline purchases—have historically funded conservative political campaigns, including Donald Trump’s.
“I want to plant a seed of guilt,” Scott said. “When people buy gas, that money flows to oil companies, which in turn spend billions backing Trump and MAGA politicians.”
Scott emphasized that the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is crucial for political and environmental change. His goal, he said, is to reduce demand for internal combustion vehicles by urging progressive buyers to go electric—ultimately shrinking the market and forcing a shift in manufacturing.
He aims to continue his protest for four years, standing at the same corner for one hour each weekday to maximize visibility. “I get paid in thumbs up and friendly honks,” he added, noting that even negative reactions serve as confirmation that his message is being noticed.
Scott began this campaign in February and views it as an act of direct advocacy, using himself as a “live-action ad” to push for systemic change in transportation and political funding.